Page
1
Mounting the 6” or 12” Indexer on PRS
Gantry Tools
About this guide:
This document illustrates several options for mounting an indexer onto your ShopBot. You can
choose the technique that works best for you, or modify one of these methods to suit your
needs.
For your convenience, we have squared and aligned the headstock at our facility before
shipping. To maintain proper alignment, we recommend leaving the headstock as it is mounted
to its aluminum base, adjusting only the tailstock when turning different length materials.
Option 1 (for 6” Indexers only):
Mounting to table sides
Using the hardware in the 6” indexer rail mounting hardware kit (included), attach the two Trail base plates to one of your table sides. Use a level or straightedge to align the base plates
with each other. Shown below is a 96”x60” PRS Gantry tool with a 96”x48” table surface.
SBG 00418 Indexer 6in and 12in Mounting Options 2015 11 5
Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc.
Page
2
Leaving this extra clearance space around the indexer is not required, but does allow the
turning of larger stock.
6” Indexer Rail Mounting Hardware Kit:
#002415: BHCS 5/16-18x1
#000848: 5/16 washer
#000728: 5/16-18 ball and spring t-nut
Using the drop-in T-nuts
T-nuts allow you to create an attachment point on your machine without drilling into the frame.
To insert drop-in T-nuts into the aluminum extrusion, first hold the nut with the spring-ball
facing up. Press one edge of the nut into the groove until it “pops” in. Press the other end up
and in until it is fully seated in the groove.
SBG 00418 Indexer 6in and 12in Mounting Options 2015 11 5
Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc.
Page
3
Option 2 (6” & 12” Indexers):
Mounting directly to table
The T-rail base plates can be bolted directly to your table using the included table mounting
hardware kits.
6” Indexer Table Mounting HW Kit
#002018: SHCS 5/16-18 x 1 ¼
12” Indexer Table Mounting HW Kit
#004613: SHCS 3/8-16 x 1 ¼
#000848: 5/16 Washer
#000444: 3/8 Washer
#004609: Tapping Insert 5/1618 x 25/32
SBG 00418 Indexer 6in and 12in Mounting Options 2015 11 5
#004614: Tapping Insert 3/816x 33/64
Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc.
Page
4
First, align the base plates as you would like to mount them, making sure that the base plates
are aligned with each other and parallel to the table sides.
TIP: A quick and easy way to align the base plates is to cut a thin, shallow line into your table. A
small cutter (such as a 30-degree V-carve bit, or a 1/8” end mill) will give the best results. If you
have a spring-loaded plotter pen, this is even easier.
Take a pencil or sharpie and mark the center of each of the 6 holes in each base-plate. Drill
holes at each mark according to the mounting kit that you have:
Mounting Kit
6” Indexer
12” Indexer
Drill Diameter
7/16”
15/32”
Minimum hole depth
7/8”
9/16”
Screw the threaded inserts into each hole using the provided hex key. Then tighten each rail in
place using the provided bolts and washers.
You can also inlay T-track (available from www.ttrackusa.com and most woodworking supply
stores) into your table, and then use T-nuts to attach the base plates. This is more work during
the initial set-up, but allows you to freely move the base plates along an aligned axis.
SBG 00418 Indexer 6in and 12in Mounting Options 2015 11 5
Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc.
Page
5
Option 3 (6” & 12” Indexers):
Mounting to front or rear of table
NOTE: We currently do not supply a hardware or part kit for this option. The information
below is provided as a guide to aid users, but implementation may require purchasing or
fabricating parts not supplied by ShopBot.
This option allows you to permanently attach the indexer without losing cutting space in the Yaxis. However, it requires extra parts and limits the length of stock that you can work with.
Shown here is one possible method, using a 62” piece of aluminum extrusion and two steel Lbrackets. If you have a local machine shop, they should be able to provide raw materials
and/or fabrication services to build a simple assembly like the one shown here. This could also
be accomplished by building a short, sturdy work table and securing it to the table sides and
one end of the tool. Think carefully about the height you wish to mount the indexer: Will you
be regularly cutting to the center of the turning axis? What is the largest material you will want
to turn?
SBG 00418 Indexer 6in and 12in Mounting Options 2015 11 5
Copyright 2015 ShopBot Tools, Inc.